The Detroit Tigers have officially named Tarik Skubal as their Opening Day starter for 2025 and I am not surprised. The reigning AL Cy Young and Triple Crown winner will start on March 27 against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in LA. The game is at 7:10 ET and on ESPN.
Manager A.J. Hinch didn’t even hesitate to announce it during today’s spring training game against the Minnesota Twins. “Let me break news on the broadcast today,” Hinch said with a grin. “I think we should name him the Opening Day starter.”
Why Tarik Skubal Was the Only Choice
AL Cy Young Winner
Skubal was a slam dunk after his 2024 season. He had a 2.39 ERA, 228 Ks in 192 innings and was the AL leader in wins (18), ERA (2.39) and Ks (228). He’s the first AL pitcher to win the Triple Crown in a full season since Justin Verlander in 2011.
“He doesn’t have to be anything different than what he is today and that’s pounding the zone with multiple pitches,” Hinch said during the broadcast. “We’re glad the Cy Young award shows how good he is.”
Spring Training
Skubal’s already looked good in spring training. In his first outing he went two scoreless, one hit, zero walks and one K. He faced seven hitters and threw 14 of 19 pitches for strikes. He used all five of his pitches: six sinkers, five changeups, four sliders, three four-seamers and one curveball. His fastball hit 100.1 mph and he’s ready for the show.
“It was a good work day,” Skubal said. “Threw strikes. That’s all you’re trying to do early in camp.”
Skubal’s Thoughts on the Honor
For Skubal, being the Opening Day starter is an honor and a test. “You don’t know how many Opening Days you’re gonna start in your career,” he said. “And it’s an honor to be able to start two of them.”
This year though, it’s bigger. Instead of facing the Chicago White Sox (who he started against last year), Skubal will be facing one of the best lineups in baseball—the Los Angeles Dodgers. The defending champs have a whole team of stars fresh off a World Series win over the New York Yankees.
“It’ll be fun in their park too,” Skubal said. “So it’ll be fun. I’m looking forward to it.”
Despite the tough matchup, Skubal is focused on getting better in spring training. “You can’t look too far ahead,” he added. “Right now, my focus is on getting better every day and getting ready for the season.”
How Skubal Fits into the Team
The Ace of the Staff
Skubal isn’t just the Opening Day starter—he’s the staff. As Hinch said, “We go as he goes.” Last year was proof of that as Skubal’s consistency and leadership carried the whole team. With another big year from their ace, the Tigers hope to build on that and make a run at the playoffs in 2025.
The Dodgers
The Dodgers are a tough matchup for any pitcher, let alone an Opening Day starter. They have some of the best hitters in the game in Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani. But if anyone can step up to the task it’s Skubal. His ability to mix and command makes him one of the few pitchers who can shut down that lineup.